..after a change of heart. When the New York Mets signed top closer, Francisco Rodriquez (K-Rod), they 'signaled' closer Billy Wagner's fate with the team...regardless of the prognosis of Wagner's Tommy John surgery. Wagner was expected to miss the entire 2009 season, but made a quick recovery.
Mets GM, Omar Minaya placed Wagner on waivers last week, and he was 'claimed' by the Boston Red Sox. But Wagner had a "no-trade clause", and refused to drop it unless the Red Sox agreed to certain stipulations, i.e., (1) refuse to accept or honor an $8M option for the 2010 season, and (2) promise NOT to offer "salary arbitration" following the 2009 season. The Red Sox refused both stip's., causing Wagner to invoke his 'no-trade clause'. The Mets canceled the 'waiver' transaction, and Wagner decided to stay out. In fact, he pitched 4-innings in relief, striking out 2 and walking none, looking his old formidable self.....perking re-newed Red Sox interest
After a brief respite, the two sides came together and compromised, allowing the 'waiver claim'.. Boston agreed to NOT exercise the $8M option for the 2010 season, but refused to waive their 'arbitration' rights*. They also agreed to give the New York Mets "2-players to named later".
All three parties are satisfied. Billy Wagner" gets a chance at winning a "ring" and playing for a "contender"; will have an opportunity to sign with another team, in need of a game-closer.The Boston Red Sox
1) They get another 'post-season experienced/ battle tested additon to their bullpen. A perfect set-up man (albeit, temporarariy) for Papelbon.(2) They retain their all-important 'arbitration rights', and if Wagner is signed by another team the Red Sox will be rewarded with 2-players from the signing team. New York Mets: They will get 2-players. One of whom will be Chris Carter (OF). A win-win-win situation.
Wagner might be back in the NL next season. He wants to join the 400-club (Saves). Usually NL pitchers don't excel in the AL, whereas AL pitchers do very well in the NL. By the way Jonathan Papelbon initially frown at the idea--and somewhat threatened--by the acquisition of Billy Wagner, but telephoned him to wish him "luck" and welcome him to the 'wild card' trenches. and reinforcing the Red Sox 'pen.
* Usually 'arbitration' leads ther way to permiting a player to make his own deal with another team. When this happens the Red Sox will be awarded with player(s) from the signing team...depending on the value classification applied to the signed player. In the case of Wagner it could be as many as 2-players awarded to Boston.
Mets GM, Omar Minaya placed Wagner on waivers last week, and he was 'claimed' by the Boston Red Sox. But Wagner had a "no-trade clause", and refused to drop it unless the Red Sox agreed to certain stipulations, i.e., (1) refuse to accept or honor an $8M option for the 2010 season, and (2) promise NOT to offer "salary arbitration" following the 2009 season. The Red Sox refused both stip's., causing Wagner to invoke his 'no-trade clause'. The Mets canceled the 'waiver' transaction, and Wagner decided to stay out. In fact, he pitched 4-innings in relief, striking out 2 and walking none, looking his old formidable self.....perking re-newed Red Sox interest
After a brief respite, the two sides came together and compromised, allowing the 'waiver claim'.. Boston agreed to NOT exercise the $8M option for the 2010 season, but refused to waive their 'arbitration' rights*. They also agreed to give the New York Mets "2-players to named later".
All three parties are satisfied. Billy Wagner" gets a chance at winning a "ring" and playing for a "contender"; will have an opportunity to sign with another team, in need of a game-closer.The Boston Red Sox
1) They get another 'post-season experienced/ battle tested additon to their bullpen. A perfect set-up man (albeit, temporarariy) for Papelbon.(2) They retain their all-important 'arbitration rights', and if Wagner is signed by another team the Red Sox will be rewarded with 2-players from the signing team. New York Mets: They will get 2-players. One of whom will be Chris Carter (OF). A win-win-win situation.Wagner might be back in the NL next season. He wants to join the 400-club (Saves). Usually NL pitchers don't excel in the AL, whereas AL pitchers do very well in the NL. By the way Jonathan Papelbon initially frown at the idea--and somewhat threatened--by the acquisition of Billy Wagner, but telephoned him to wish him "luck" and welcome him to the 'wild card' trenches. and reinforcing the Red Sox 'pen.
* Usually 'arbitration' leads ther way to permiting a player to make his own deal with another team. When this happens the Red Sox will be awarded with player(s) from the signing team...depending on the value classification applied to the signed player. In the case of Wagner it could be as many as 2-players awarded to Boston.
Last edited:
